Veterans to benefit from new 'hub' in Plymouth

Armed Forces charities in the Plymouth area have worked together to launch a new veterans’ ‘hub’, which opens its doors for the first time on Thursday 10th November, at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre (3-7pm) and Four Greens Community Trust (PL5 4DD) on Wednesday 30 November, from 4-8pm.

The move has been driven by the local team from Help for Heroes, in tandem with the Armed Forces Community social prescriber,  Op Courage, the veterans’ mental health service from the NHS, Veterans UK, RFEA (the Forces Employment Charity), Team Endeavour Wheelchair Rugby Club, Armed Forces champions from the DWP, Defence Medical Welfare service (DMWS) and the Ministry of Defence’s dedicated support organisation for service personnel, veterans and their families.

Help for Heroes’ Case Manager, Paul Mouncher, explained: “We have all come together to drive a better veterans’ community connection in the Plymouth area. 

“Often, veterans aren’t sure where they can go to speak to someone who will understand, or who knows what’s available for them and where. And, crucially, where they can find help and support.

“The hub is there to bridge that gap for them: a one-stop shop with all the charities and organisations together in one place, so veterans can come for a chat and a cuppa and enquire about the available support in welfare, clinical, mental health, and sporting activities.”

Confirmed participants for the launch day include Armed Forces Community Social Prescriber, Help for Heroes, Veterans UK, the Department of Work and Pensions, and Plymouth Veterans’ Breakfast Club. 

In addition, The Royal British Legion, SSAFA (the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), the Armed Forces Community social prescriber, Op Courage, RFEA (the Forces Employment Charity), Team Endeavour Wheelchair Rugby Club, Armed Forces champions from the DWP, DMWS, Battling On, and Veterans Outdoors have each been invited to participate.

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps them live well after service. The charity helps them, and their families, to recover and get on with their lives. It has already supported more than 27,000 people and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve. 

For further details on the Plymouth veterans’ hub, please contact Paul Mouncher, Help for Heroes’ Case Manager on 07807 298684 or paul.mouncher@helpforheroes.org.uk. To get support, visit helpforheroes.org.uk.